10 Green Alternatives for Everyday Services

As the initiative to "go green" becomes more widespread, the good news is that so have the number of eco-friendly services. From dry-cleaning your clothing to washing your car, it's never been easier to get things done in a greener way. Not sure where to get started? Check out this list of green alternatives.

A Greener Dry Cleaner

The chemicals used in traditional dry-cleaning can threaten both the environment and your health. When released into the environment, these chemicals can contaminate the air, make their way into groundwater, and contribute to smog. But there are many kinds of chemical-free cleaning: GreenEarth, a liquid silicone dry-cleaning solution used by many eco-friendly cleaning services, is both nontoxic and non hazardous; dry-cleaning machines that operate on liquid CO2 are healthier for the Earth, though expensive to purchase; and "wet cleaning," a financially sound option, uses water and nontoxic, biodegradable detergents to safely and effectively clean garments.

Mean Green Pest Control

Looking for a less toxic method to combat indoor and outdoor pests? It's probably a good idea because the traditional pesticides used to kill insects, weeds, and vermin can significantly harm both the environment and your health. Integrating less toxic pest control strategies — from identifying possible pest triggers to trapping and weeding out pests — can prove highly effective. A pest control company that promotes green tactics can help you devise a plan that works for your household.

Print It Green

The paper industry is one of the most Earth-unfriendly industries out there. Its environmental costs include large-scale use of energy, mass destruction of trees, and production of harmful waste (through the use of chemical printing materials). If you need a printing service, choose one that uses renewable sources of ink, recycled paper, and water- and- energy-efficient printing technologies. Otherwise, e-mail is the way to go!

Travel the Green Way

You already know that fuel-efficient vehicles and public transportation are environmentally friendly ways of getting around town, but now you can even travel green via taxi and limousine. Green car services have popped up in the United Kingdom and in major U.S. cities. If you haven't seen them around your town, let your local car service know that you'd appreciate some eco-friendly options.

A Sparkly Green Car Wash

If you've got the environment in mind, frequenting a car wash — any car wash — is better than washing your car at home. Driveway washing wastes a lot of water and allows hazardous chemicals to end up in sewers and groundwater. Car washing services use water more efficiently because they wash many cars at once and dump wastewater into specified sewers for treatment. A greener car wash may even go a step further by filtering and reusing its water supply, or by using waterless cleaning techniques.

A Greener Lawn

Organic lawn-care services are a useful option for those who want some assistance in maintaining a pretty lawn but who don't want to harm the Earth while doing so. Green lawn-care companies use natural alternatives to fertilizers and pesticides, implement a watering schedule that reduces waste, and use eco-friendly mowers, so there's no danger to the health of your family, your pets, or the environment!

Eco-Friendly Plumbing

If you're considering an upgrade to your home plumbing system, a green plumber can help you save water, energy, and some money. For example, the plumber can install water-conserving faucets, showerheads, and toilets. A green plumbing service can also help insulate hot- and cold-water pipes for maximum energy efficiency, replace pumps and water heaters with greener technologies, and remove pipe blockages without the use of harsh chemicals.

The Green Sweep

Hiring a professional to clean your home? Why not do it the green way? Most green cleaning companies bring along high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums that trap small particles, such as airborne chemicals and toxins, which are hazardous to the environment. They also use nontoxic household cleaners that are better for the Earth and your family's health. Best of all, with a greener clean, you won't feel guilty about needing a little help around the house!

Earthly Events

No matter what big day you're celebrating, an eco-friendly event planner can help you create a better — and greener — affair. Working with someone in the know about eco-friendly options can ensure that all aspects of your event, from the venue to the food, are arranged in an environmentally friendly fashion.

A Smooth, Green Move

As frustrating as moving into a new home can sometimes be, the good news is that there are ways to soften the blow to the Earth. Eco-friendly moving companies can provide sturdy, reusable boxes and packing materials that save trees and prevent waste. They can also deliver you to your new home in gas-efficient vehicles. Before the actual move, host a yard sale and recycle or hand off items you no longer want, to further reduce waste.

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